Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
|
![]() ![]() |
In the Alpine, above 2500′, the avalanche danger is MODERATE where isolated pockets of wind slab 1-2′ thick may be found in steep complex terrain such as steep gullies and convex rollovers. These will be more developed just off the top of ridges on Northern and Eastern aspects. On very steep slopes where snow is loose and unconsolidated sluffing will also be a hazard to manage.
The avalanche danger below 2500′ is LOW where triggering an avalanche is unlikely.
Avalanche Rescue Workshop at Hatcher Pass!! Join CNFAIC forecasters, HPAC forecasters and Alaska Avalanche School this Sunday for a FREE informal rescue workshop before hitting the hills at Hatcher Pass!!
After a three-day period of moderate Westerly winds accompanied by 6” of new snow, lingering wind slab instability remains our primary concern. Due to the unusual wind direction of this last storm pockets of wind slabs1-2′ thick are likely to be the more tender on steep Northern and Eastern slopes. These wind slabs could also be found on other aspects where cross-loading is more common like along gullies and on leeward aspects of terrain features.
Use caution in steep terrain and avoid smooth pillow shaped features. These wind slabs could vary from hard to soft and are likely to break above you. Be sure to practice safe travel habits. Identify safe spots, move between islands of safety one at a time, and always have an escape zone in mind.
On a side note… Skiing and riding conditions are better than they look in Turnagain Pass. Pockets of loose unconsolided (Powder) snow are easily found on good portions of Southwestern aspects. Surface conditions are variable along ridgelines, but wind erosion is softer and more forgiving than it appears.
A view of Hippy Bowl from 3200′ on Tincan. Soft Sastrugi (wind erosion) along ridges makes for easy access to nice powder stashes on Southwestern aspects.
Cold temperatures are continuing to “dry” out the surface snow and fast moving snow “sluffs” could pick up enough speed to knock you off your feet. This is minor concern, but one worth keeping in the back of your mind if venturing in steep terrain.
Yesterday skies were clear and day-time temperatures reached the teens F in the sun. Ridgetop temps and overnight lows hovered around 0 F. Winds were light 5-10 mph from the West. No new precipitation fell in the last 24 hours.
Today expect more of the same; clear skies and cold temps. Day-time temperatures may reach 10 F and lows should dip to -5 F. Ridgetop winds will increase later in the day, 10-20 mph from the West, and no precipitation is expected.
More cold dry weather is expected through the weekend. The next talk of precipitation is early next week as a large Sourtherly flow near Kodiak is expected to move North and East. There is uncertainty if it will reach Southcentral Alaska, but if it does, expect warm temperatures and moisture.
Temp Avg (F) | Snow (in) | Water (in) | Snow Depth (in) | |
Center Ridge (1880′) | 8 | 0 | 0 | 44 |
Summit Lake (1400′) | 4 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
Alyeska Mid (1700′) | 8 | 0 | 0 | 27 |
Temp Avg (F) | Wind Dir | Wind Avg (mph) | Wind Gust (mph) | |
Sunburst (3812′) | 1 | W | 5 | 13 |
Seattle Ridge (2400′) | 2 | W | 6 | 17 |
Date | Region | Location | Observer |
---|---|---|---|
05/22/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Tincan | Nick D'Alessio |
05/12/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Tincan, Sunburst, Magnum, Cornbiscuit | Heather Thamm |
05/07/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Tincan – Bear Tracks | CNFAIC Staff |
05/05/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Seattle Ridge | AS/ WW Forecaster |
05/02/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Cornbiscuit | Schauer/ Sturgess Forecaster |
05/02/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Seward Hwy Turnagain Pass | Joel Curtis |
04/30/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Magnum | Ayla, Kit Crosby, Barton |
04/29/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Tincan | John Sykes |
04/28/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Taylor Pass/Pastoral | Schauer/ Creighton Forecaster |
04/28/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Tincan | Andy Moderow |
Status of riding areas across the Chugach NF is managed by the Glacier and Seward Ranger Districts, not avalanche center staff. Riding area information is posted as a public service to our users and updated based on snow depth and snow density to prevent resource damage at trailhead locations. Riding area questions contact: mailroom_r10_chugach@fs.fed.us
Area | Status | Weather & Riding Conditions |
---|---|---|
Glacier District |
Subscribe to Turnagain Pass
Avalanche Forecast by Email
This is a general backcountry avalanche advisory issued for Turnagain Arm with Turnagain Pass as the core advisory area. This advisory does not apply to highways, railroads or operating ski areas.